The Algarve

Lagos Beach, Algarve | Photographer: Jose Manuel

Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, tucked between Spain, the Atlantic ocean and Alentejo, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III, in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses.

In Portugal's Algarve, the distance that was difficult to cover back in
the 13th century is no longer an obstacle thanks to the
modern highway and coastal road and Faro international
airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its
idyllic temperatures (average temperature in winter of 14°C
and 24°C - 57°F and 75°F - in summer, rarely going below
12°C - 53°F- during winter and reaching as high as 28°C or
30°C - 82°F or 86° F - in July and August), which are ideal
for playing golf and other sports.

In the northern part of Algarve, the ranges of Espinhaco
de Cao, Monchique and Caldeirao shelter the coast from
strong winds. This brightly colored region, with its fig
trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also
the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline
consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken
up by extraordinary rugged red cliffs and fantastic
grottoes.

Apart from the wealth of available water sports
facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserve
special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours),
there are other alternatives, such as tennis courts, famous
golf courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an
exciting nightlife.

Albufeira is one of the favorite towns in Algarve for those wanting to be seen in one of the most popular beaches in Algarve as well as taste the outstanding cuisine and a great nightlife. Popular with foreigners, young people and sun and fun seeking, Albufeira stands as a must spot to visit.

Accommodations in Albufeira

The capital of the region, with a medieval wall and a
large number of monuments: Cathedral (Romanesque-Gothic
origin), Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Convent (Renaissance),
Sao Francisco Church (16th-18th centuries). Museums to
visit: Infante Dom Henrique, Regional Ethnographic, Ramalho
Ortigao and Antoniano (next to Santo Antonio do Alto
Chapel). Also worthwhile visiting are the beautiful churches
of Sao Pedro da Misericordia and Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs.

Accommodations in Faro

Enclosed within 15th century walls, with its Manueline
window, are the magnificent churches of Sao Sebastiao
(Renaissance portals and 17th and 18th century tiles), Santa
Maria or Misericordia (16th-19th centuries), Santo Antonio
(Baroque) and the very old Sao Joao Chapel (8th-9th
centuries). Other points of interest: Regional Museum,
Governors’ Palace, Pau da Bandeira Fortress and the old
slave market. Charming marina.

Accommodations in Lagos

Amongst the beautiful houses on the slope stand the
mother-church (Manueline), the Misericordia Church (with a
Baroque retable) and the Senhor do Pe da Cruz Chapel (17th
century). Nearby, look for the famous thermal spa of
Monchique and Foia (2959 ft high), overlooking the hills and
the ocean.

Accommodations in Olhao

In this fishermen’s town, visit the mother-church (14th
century, rebuilt in the 18th century), the Colegio Church
(17th century), and the Town Hall. In the suburbs, the
renowned Praia da Rocha (with its Santa Catarina de Ribamar
Fortress), and the Roman ruins of Abicada.

Accommodations in Portimao

It was here that five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a
school of navigation, which played a crucial role in the
Portuguese Discoveries. Apart from the Nossa Senhora da
Graca Chapel, you can visit the magnificent fortress
(originally built in the 14th century, and later altered)
and the 15th century rosa-dos-ventos (a 141 ft diameter
compass card). Nearby, on the extreme southwestern tip of
the European continent, is Cabo de Sao Vicente (Romans’
Promontorium Sacrum), opening on to a vast horizon of sea
and sky.

Accommodations in Sagres

Stones of different times and cultures overlap in this
town: the castle and walls are of Arab origin; the Gothic
Cathedral (having undergone several restoration work) was
built on the site of an ancient mosque; the 12th century
bridge was built where formerly stood a Roman bridge. The
Cross of Portugal also deserves special mention (16th
century religious sculpture), as well as the following
examples of Manueline motifs: the Nossa Senhora dos Martires
Chapel and the Misericordia Church. The Archeology Museum is
built around an almost unique Arab water cistern, dating
from the Almohad period.

Accommodations in Silves

With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and
chimneys, this picturesque town offers a beautiful view over
the Gilao river and its Roman bridge. Churches to visit:
Santa Maria do Castelo (13th-18th centuries), Misericordia
(Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas (17th century), Sao
Jose (with Gothic and Manueline elements), Sao Paulo and
Carmo (17th-18th-centuries). If you are browsing along the
Travessa de Dona Brites, you will see beautiful medieval
houses, with Gothic windows and portals. In the suburbs, at
the village of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has
been a pilgrimage place for many centuries.

Handicrafts

Algarve car hire

Hotels in Algarve

Some of the best and most luxurious hotels in Portugal are located in Algarve. Many hotels are located near great golf courses. Golfing is a major Algarve attraction, and every year thousands of golf enthusiasts descend upon this great region to play in some of the best golf courses in Europe. Algarve is also a unique historical destination where many cultures have left their mark along the years. Of course Algarve is also synonym of great beaches. Some of the favorite hotels are located in Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira, Alvor, and many other great towns and villages in Algarve.